Self-retaining reload capsule for shotgun shells

ABSTRACT

A reload capsule for shotgun shells which contains the essential interior elements of a shotgun shell and has retainer means inherent in its construction for retaining the fired capsule within the gun upon firing and for permitting ready replacement of the fired capsule with another loaded capsule.

United States Patent Horn et al. 1 Sept. 5, 1972 [54] SELF-RETAINING RELOAD CAPSULE 3,102,478 9/ 1963 Cook 102/42 FOR SHOTGUN SHELLS 3,516,360 6/1970 Lathrope et al. ..102/95 Inventors William "a Minneapolis; 5:323:21; #31322 E222;a:iiiiiiiiiiiiiii'iafiii gigs g Ma a??? 3,256,815 6/1966 Davidson et al. 102/42 R 3,593,054 8/1971 Webb et a1 ..102/42 0 [73] Assignee: Federal Cartridge Corporafiun, 3,602,143 8/1971 Critcher ..l02/42 C Mmneapd's FOREIGN PATENTS OR APPLICATIONS [22] Wed: 1970 1,110,473 10/1955 France ..l02/43 P [21] Appl. No.: 2,205

Primary Examiner-Robert Stahl 52 US. 01. ..102/42 0, 102/43 c, 102/43 P s'egfned Ryan [51] Int. Cl ..F42b 7/06 57 ABSTRACT [58] Field of Search...l02/38, 42, 42 C, 44, 43, 43 P,

32/95 A reload capsule for shotgun shells which contains the essential interior elements of -a shotgun shell and has retainer means inherent in its construction for retain- [56] References cued ing the fired capsule within the gun upon firing and for UNITED STATES PATENTS permitting ready replacement of the fired capsule with 1 d 3,399,622 9/1968 Houdek 102/42 0 capsule 3,422,761 I/ 1969 Whitrnore ..l02/42 C 36 Claims, 13 Drawing Figures A 5*- :2. $1 I A 98 y "95 3 9f 04 r /05 m6 m3 This invention relates to shotgun shells. More particularly it relates to a self-retaining reload capsule for shotgun shells.

It is a general object of our invention to provide a novel and improved reload capsule for shotgun shells having the essential interior elements of a conventional shotgun shell and having self-retaining means inherent in its construction whereby the fired capsule may be easily removed, and a loaded capsule substituted therefor. A more specific object is to provide a novel and improved reload capsule for shotgun shells which upon firing, will remain attached to the head of the shell, but may be easily detached therefrom subsequently and replaced with a similar, but loaded capsule to'thereby enable the same to be fired upon the provision of an unfired primer as a substitute for the primer previously fired.

Another object is to provide a novel and improved reload capsule having unique and positive anchor means for insuring that the fired reload capsule will remain attached to the head of the shotgun shell during firing operation, but may be readily released therefrom subsequent thereto and replaced with a minimum of effort and time consumption with a similar, but loaded capsule. I

Another object is to provide a novel and improved shotgun shell reload capsule which may be manufactured in large numbers and enable users thereof to perform the reloading operation therewith at the firing location with a minimum of tools, delay, and effort.

Another object is to provide a'novel and improved reload capsule for shotgun shells which meets all of the performance criteria presently accepted in the trade, but which will greatly simplify and standardize reload procedures and results thereof.

Another object is to provide a novel and improved reload capsule for shotgun shells the use of which will provide a longer reload life of a shell casing and/or head, and which will efiect economies in the manufacture of the shotshell casings inasmuch as less expensive molding techniques for such casings may be utilized in conjunction with such reload capsules.

Another object of our invention is to provide a novel and improved reload capsule for shotgun shells which will provide better ballistic control for the hand-loader and will permit the use of less expensive reloading tools.

These and other objects and advantages of our invention will more fully appear from the following description, made in connection with the accompanying drawings, wherein like reference characters refer to the same or similar parts throughout the several views, and in which:

FIG. 1 is a vertical sectional view' of one embodiment of our invention;

FIG. 2 is a vertical sectional view of a shotgun shell casing with the embodiment shown in FIG. 1 disposed therewithin;

FIG. 3 is a vertical sectional view of a second embodiment of our invention;

Flg. 4 is a partial elevation and partial vertical sectional view of the embodiment shown in FIG. 3 disposed within a conventional shotgun shell casing;

Flg. 5 is a partial side elevational view and partial v vertical sectional view of a third embodiment of our invention;

FIG. 6 is a partial side elevational view and partial vertical sectional viewof the embodiment shown in FIG. 5 disposed within a shotgun shell casing and head of the conventional type, modified to accept and cooperatively retain the structure shown in FIG. 5;

FIG. 7 is a partial side elevational view and partial vertical sectional view of a fourth embodiment of our invention;

FIG. 8 is a partial side elevational view and partial vertical sectional view of the embodiment shown in FIG. 7 disposed within a shotgun shell casing and head of a conventional type modified to cooperatively retain the embodiment shown in FIG. 7 therewithin;

FIG. 9 is a partial side elevational view and partial vertical sectional view of what is believed to be the preferred embodiment of our invention;

FIG. 10 is a partial side elevational view and partial vertical sectional view of the embodiment shown in FIG. 9 disposed ,within a shotgun shell casing and head of the conventional type modified to accept and retain same therewithin;

FIG. 11 is a partial side elevational view and partial vertical sectional view of the embodiment shown in FIG. 9 mounted upon a reusable head member to provide a simplified reloadable shell;

FIG. 12 is a vertical sectional view of another embodiment of our invention showing a modified form of wad column or wad structure separating the propellant and shot charge; and

FIG. 13 is a vertical sectional view of a conventional shotgun shell casing and head with the embodiment shown in FIG. 12 disposed therewithin and ready for firing.

The problems which are encountered in designing a shot shell capsule include the need to select a material from which the capsule is to be made which is compatible with conventional shot shell components, which will function properly under the conditions of heat, erosion and pressures developed in firing, and which will function properly over the temperature range encountered in storage and field use. A means must be provided by which the propellant charge will be protected and prevented from spilling out, and yet which can be ignited by a primer. A sealing and cushioning means must be incorporated to provide the wad function between the propellant and the shot charge, and the shot must be protected and prevented from spilling out in such a way that upon firing an adequate patterning effect will be obtained. In addition, the capsules must be usable in existing shotguns, and the capsules or parts thereof must not remain in the chamber, barrel, or choke of the gun. In addition, if the capsule is to gain acceptance in the trade, it must be economically attractive.

This application discloses a shot shell reload capsule which meets the performance criteria essential to satisfactory operation. When the capsule is fired the major portion of the capsule cylinder remains within the shot shell casing. It is recognized that for a variety of causes, a portion of the cylinder capsule may upon occasion break free, and be discharged from the shot shell casing. Such portions, however, will be minor, and

the major portion of the capsule cylinder will remain within the shot shell casing. Any portions of the capsule cylinder which are discharged from the shot shell casing will, and obviously must, be of such a size as to preclude obstruction of the barrel thereby. Additional performance criteria are that the capsule cylinder or major portion thereof which remains in the shot shell casing, must be easily removable with simple tools, and must leave the shot shell casing without serious damage thereto, so that it will remain in proper condition for reloading. In addition, the performance criteria require that the capsule cylinder must be formed from a material having sufiicient resiliency and strength so that it will possess adequate dimensional stability to insure loadability after prolonged storage. The capsule must be made from a material which will resist melting, charting, burning, or rupture under normal shell firing conditions to such an extent that removal of the fired capsule cylinder is not made difficult or impossible. The material must also possess sufficient rigidity to permit closure at its outer end and the material must be compatible with normal shot shell components. Moreover, the material should perform properly as indicated within a normal usage temperature range-of 30-90F. Wherever hereinafter the term being formed of a material suitably resilient, therrnoresistant, and rigid to meet performance critera is utilized, it is intended to connote that the material from which the capsule cylinder is formed meets the performance criteria outlined above.

Wherever hereinafter the term so as not to materially" is utilized in conjunction with the degree of melting, charring, burning, or rupturing of the cylinder member which may take place upon firing, it is intended to connote that such phenomena will be insufficient to affect the cylinder member to such an extent that removal of the fired reload capsule is made difficult or impossible, or that the barrel of the gun will be appreciably obstructed by a ruptured portion of the cylinder member.

Wherever herein the term penetrated by the firing of said primer" is utilized, it is intended to connote that the firing of the primer will reach the propellant through the closure member, either by burning through or rupturing the closure member, or by passing through tiny holes of insufficient size to permit the propellant to escape, which may have been provided in the closure member.

Wherever hereinafter the term wad" is utilized, it is intended to connote wad structure which may be comprised of one or a plurality of wad elements, sometimes referred to as a wad column." Thus the term is intended to include a plurality of separate wad elements, such as a plurality of individual wads or a plurality of elements which may serve as a gas seal, cushion, and spacing between the propellant and the shot charge.

Wherever herein the term substantially closing is utilized with respect to the closure member, it is intended to connote and cover the closing of the cylinder member through the use of an imperforate element, as well as a perforated element in which the perforations are so minute as to preclude the passage of the propellant therethrough, but are of sufficient size to facilitate ignition of the propellant by the firing of the primer.

The embodiment shown in FIG. 1 includes a cylinder member 15 which is of uniform circumferential dimensions throughout its length and has outer end portions 16 and inner end portions 17. A closure member 18 is formed integrally with the cylinder member 15 at its inner end and is preferably, but not necessarily, provided with an area of reduced thickness 19. Within the cylinder member 15 are the interior elements of a conventional shotgun shell consisting of a propellant 20, a wad 21, and a shot charge 22. As shown, the wad 21 consists of a single wad element, but it may, if desired, consist of a plurality of individual wad elements made of either a plastic, fiber, or other material as is conventional in the art, or it may consist of a wad column comprised of a plurality of elements such as is disclosed herein and shown in FIGS. 12 and 13. In any event, the wad 21 is always disposed between the propellant 20 and the shot charge 22 and functions to space and separate the two, and serve as a cushion and gas seal therebetween as is conventional. The outer end portion 16 is provided with a folded crimp as at 23 which functions to retain the shot charge 22 within the cylinder member 15. This closure means 23 could be any one of many types of means for closing a shotgun shell. The evanescent closure is most universally accepted and has been used by us primarily in testing the embodiments disclosed herein.

FIG. 2 shows a shotgun shell indicated generally by the numeral 24 having a casing 25 and a head member 26. As shown, the casing 25 and the head member 26 are formed integrally with each other of a plastic material such as high density polyethylene, such as has become conventional in the trade in recent years. A primer opening 27 is provided in the head member, and a primer 28 is disposed therewithin, as is conventional. Mounted within the casing 25 is the embodiment shown in FIG. 1, and it will be noted that the outer circumferential dimensions of the cylinder member 15 are equal to the interior circumferential dimensions of the casing 25, so that the capsule shown in FIG. 1 fits into the casing 25 in a snug fit, and the closure member 18 fits snuggly against the head member 26. The outer end of the casing 25 is rolled inwardly only slightly as at 29, since it is not required and only provides added assurance the capsule will remain within the casing 25 when jolted, such as may occur while it is in the magazine of a gun that is being fired. The roll 29, if utilized, is only slight and deforms the outer end of the casing 25 a minimum as can be seen be reference to FIG. 2.

It will be noted that the reduced area 19 of the closure member 18 is disposed directly above and adjacent to the primer 28 so that upon firing of the primer the closure member 18 will be penetrated through the reduced area 19, thereby causing the propellant 20 to be ignited and propel the wad 21 and shot charge 22 outwardly through the gun. When this occurs, the great pressure which is developed within the cylinder member 15 will cause the latter to remain within the casing 25, as the shot charge and wad are ejected. The snug fit between the cylinder member 15 and the interior walls of the casing 25 as well as between the closure member 18 and the head member 26 provides a gassealed condition and there will be no force to eject the cylinder member 15, since the cylinder member 15 and the closure member 18 are of uniform circumferential dimensions throughout their lengths which are identical to the interior dimensions of the casing 25.

F i6. 3 shows a second embodiment of our invention. As shown, it is comprised of a cylinder member 30 having outer end portions 31 and inner end portions 32. The latter are closed off by a closure member 33 which has a reduced central area 34. An annular flange 35 is carried by the cylinder member 30 and extends axially away from the closure member 33 which, as shown, is

. formed integrally with the cylinder member and the flange 35. The cylinder member 30 contains a propellant 36, a wad 37, and a shot charge 38. The latter is retained within the cylinder member 30 by a folded crimp indicated as 39 formed of the outer end portion 31 of the cylinder member.

FIG. '4 shows the-embodiment of FIG. 3 mounted within a shotgun shell 40 which is comprised of a casing 41 and a head member 42. Here again the casing and head member are formed integrally'of a plastic material, but it will be readily recognized that in this instance, as in all other instances herein, the casing and head member could be formed of separate materials as has been conventional in the past wherein the casing has been fonned of plastic paper or metal, and the head member has been formed of a combination of materials. An annular groove 43 is formed in the head member 42 at the bottom of the casing 41. The dimensions of this annular groove 43 are identical to the dimensions of the flange 35, and it is adapted to receive the latter in snug-fitting relationship as shown. It will be noted that the annular flange 35 extends axially into the head member 42, and the reduced area 34 of the closure member is disposed directly above and adjacent to the primer 44 which is disposed within the primer opening 45 of the head. When the primer 44 is tired, the fire therefrom will penetrate the closure member 33 at the reduced area 34, either by burning therethrough or by rupturing the same to ignite the propellant 36. Again the ignited propellant will cause the wad 37 and shot charge 38 to be discharged from the cylinder member 30 which will remain within the casing 40. The seal which is accomplished between the flange member 35 and the annular groove 43 aids in preventing any gas from getting behind the cylinder member 30 and causing a possible rupture thereof or ejection of the cylinder into the barrel of a gun. It will be noted that the outer end portion of the casing 40 is rolled inwardly slightly in the same manner as the easing 24 as shown in FIG. 2 and for the same purposes.

FIG. 5 illustrates a third embodiment of our invention. As shown, it includes a cylinder member 50 having outer end portions 51 and inner end portions 52, the latter being formed integrally with the closure member 53 which has a reduced central area 54. The outer wall of cylinder member 50 tapers outwardly and upwardly uniformly throughout its length from a radially outwardly extending annular rib 55 which extends circumferentially around the cylinder member 50 and is formed integrally therewith. Itshould be noted, however, that this rib 55 is not essential to retention of the cylinder. The cylinder member 50 carries a propellant 57, a wad 58, and a shot charge 59. The upper end portion 51 is fold crimped as at 52a to retain the shot charge in the same manner as shown in FIGS. 1 and 3.

FIG. 6 shows a correspondingly tapered (0.010 inches internal diameter) shot shell 60 containing and complementing the taper of the capsule shown in FIG. 5 and having a casing 61 formed integrally with a head member 62, the latter having a primer opening 63 in which a primer 64 is disposed. Again the reduced area 54 of the closure member 53 is disposed directly above and adjacent the primer 64 so that it will be readily penetrated upon firing of the primer. It will be noted that the casing 61 is provided with an annular groove 65 in its inner circumferential surface immediately above the head member 62 in position to receive the rib 55 therein in cooperative anchoring relation so as to positively clamp and anchor the cylinder member 50 within the casing 61, and thereby positively preclude any accidental dislodgment or movement of the cylinder member 50. As a consequence, when the propellant 57 is ignited, the wad 58 and shot charge 59 will be propelled outwardly through the gun while the cylinder member 50 will remain intact and in position as shown in FIG. 6 within the casing 61.

FIG. 7 illustrates another embodiment of our invention wherein the capsule is comprised of a hollow cylinder having outer end portions 71 and inner end portions 72, the latter being formed integrally with a closure member 73 which has a reduced area 74. The outer circumferential dimensions of the cylinder 70 are uniform throughout its length except for a plurality of anchor elements in the form of barbs 75 which are formed integrally therewith and extend outwardly therefrom. It will be seen that the barbs are circumferentially spaced from each other and are arranged along a plurality of longitudinally spaced circles around the circumference of the cylinder. The cylinder contains a propellant 76, a wad 77, and a shot charge 78. The outer end portion 71 of the cylinder is fold crimped as at 79 to retain the shot charge within the cylinder. 7

FIG. 8 shows the embodiment shown in FIG. 7 mounted within a shotgun shell 80 which includes a casing 81 formed integrally with a head member 82. A primer opening 83 is provided in the head member 82 and a primer 84 is removably mounted therein. Formed within the inner circumference of the casing 81 is a plurality of vertically spaced annular grooves 85 which are spaced longitudinally of the casing 81 a distance equal and corresponding to the spacing between the circumferentially spaced anchor element 75. These grooves 85 have a shoulder 86 against which the anchor elements 75 bear to positively retain the cylinder 70 within the casing 81. Thus when the primer 84 is fired, it will penetrate the reduced area 74 of the closure member 73 to ignite the propellant which in turn will propel the wad 77 and shot charge 78 outwardly from the cylinder 70, the casing 81, and through the gun. It will be noted that the outer end portion of the casing 81 is rolled inwardly slightly as at 87 to retain the cylinder member 70 within the casing 81 during normal handling, storage and movement of the shell into the gun, but that this rolling involves a minimum of distortion of the end portion of the casing. It will be noted also that in each of the embodiments described herein the outer circumferential dimensions of the cylinder is in each case equal to the internal dimensions of the associated casing, and that in each case the firing of the primer will create great pressures within the cylinder and cause the wad and shot charge to be discharged while the cylinder remains within the casing in which it is mounted.

FIG. 9 shows what is believed to be the preferred embodiment of our invention based upon the tests which we have made to date. This embodiment includes a hollow cylinder member 90 having outer end portions 91 and inner end portions 92, the latter being formed integrally with a closure member 93 which has a reduced central area 94. An annular flange 95 is carried by the inner end of the cylinder 90 and extends axially away from the closure member 93. Extending axially away from the central area of the closure member 93 and surrounding the reduced area 94 is a tubular anchor member 96 which is formed integrally with the closure member 93. It will be noted that the interior of the tubular member 96 is closed off at one end by the reduced area 94 of the closure member and the opposite end thereof is open. The cylinder member 90 contains a propellant 98 at its inner end, a wad 99 and a shot change 100. The outer end portion of the casing 90 is fold crimped to retain the shot charge therein in the same manner as shown in the other embodiments hereinbefore described.

FIG. shows the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 9 mounted within a shotgun shell indicated generally as 101. This shotgun shell has a casing 102 and a head member 103 formed integrally therewith. An annular groove 104 is formed in the head member immediately inwardly of the casing 102 to snuggly receive the annular flange 95 therewithin, and toward the end, its dimensions are complimentary to the dimensions of that annular flange. The head member 103 is provided with a primer opening 105 which is somewhat larger than the conventional primer opening in order to receive the tubular member 96 therewithin in snugfitting relation. The internal dimensions of the tubular member 96 are slightly smaller than the dimensions of the conventional primer 106, and the latter is received within the tubular member 96 in wedging relation. Thus, upon assembly the capsule consisting of the loaded cylinder 90 is inserted in the casing 102 so that the tubular member 96 extends into the opening 105, and the primer 106 is then pressed into the interior of the tubular member 96 to wedge the same and positively anchor the cylinder member 90 to the head member 103. Thus, the primer 106 and the tubular member 96 are each anchor elements which function to positively lock the cylinder 90 to the casing 102 prior to and during the firing. Once the shell has been fired, the primer 106 is removed with a simple tool and the cylinder 90 can then be readily removed from the casing 102 and replaced with a loaded similar capsule 90 and resecured to the head 103 by an unfired primer. The annular flange 95 and the groove 104 cooperate to aid in perfecting a seal between the snug-fitting cylinder 90 and the interior of the casing 102.

FIG. 1 1 shows another form of our invention wherein the capsule 90 of FIG. 9 is secured to a substantially indestructable head member 110. This head member may be made of stainless steel or similar material, so that it may be used repeatedly in a gun when connected in the manner to be described to a plurality of cylinders, such as the cylinder 90. As shown, the head 110 has a primer opening 11 adapted to receive the tubular anchor member 96 of the cylinder and to have the same wedge therein by a primer 112 to positively lock the capsule 90 to the head prior to and during firing. A peripherally reduced annular area provides a shoulder l 13 at one end of the head member 110 to accommodate the annular flange 95. After the capsule has been fired, the fired primer is removed with a simple tool and the head member is detached from the fired cylinder, the latter being replaced by a loaded cylinder such as shown in FIG. 9 and secured to the head member by an unfired primer in the manner shown in FIG. 11. In this manner, the cylinder 90 can obviate the need for a casing and the substantially indestructable head can be used many, many times in combination therewith to provide a quickly and easily reloadable shell.

FIG. 12 shows a cylinder member 115 having a closure member 116 formed integrally therewith and being substantially identical in construction with the cylinder member 15 and closure member 18 0f FIG. 1.

This particular embodiment is identical to the structure' shown in FIG. 1, except that the wad member is comprised of what is commonly referred to as a wad column indicated generally by the numeral 117 and including a shot cup 118 which has a plurality of longitudinally extending slits 119 therein. The bottom 120 of. the cup rests upon a tubular support 121 which inturn is carried by a second cup-shaped wad element 122. The wad element 122 covers the propellant 123 and together with the shot cup 118 separates the propellant from the shot charge 124. It will be noted that the free end portion of the tubular support 121 has been reversed upon itself. This tubular member is made of a permanently deformable material which is subject to being deformed by normal shell loading pressures so that when the capsule 115 is loaded, the free end portion of the tubular member 121 is deformed as shown in FIG. 12 by the capsule loading pressures and remains permanently deformed in this shape and does not maintain outwardly expanding pressures upon the closure means 125 which, as shown, is a folded crimp of the outer end portion of the capsule 1 15.

FIG. 13 shows a shotgun shell having a casing 131 formed integrally with a head member 132, the latter being provided with a primer opening 133 and a primer 134. The casing 131 encloses the embodiment shown in FIG. 12. The shot cup 118 of the wad structure of the latter reduces the tendency of the shot to drag the cylinder forward upon firing and provides protection therefor.

It will be understood that each of the closure members shown herein may, if desired, be of the type wherein a plurality of minute perforations may be utilized in lieu of the reduced area so that the firing of the propellant will be facilitated when the primer is fired. Similarly, the closure member may be made of a material which will readily burn through, or may be shattered by the force of the firing of the primer. In the event perforations are utilized, these perforations will, of course, be sufficiently small so as to prevent the loss of the propellant during handling, storage, etc.

In each of the examples described above, in each case the firing of the primer will cause the closure member of the said cylinder to be penetrated to ignite the propellant to cause it to discharge the wad structure and shot charge from the cylinder. The great internal pressures generated by the propellant will cause the cylinder member to adhere tightly to the internal surfaces of the casing in the embodiments wherein a casing is utilized, and consequently the cylinder will remain within the casing. When the embodiments shown in FIGS. 9-11 are utilized, the cylinder is made even more secure by the wedging action of the primers. In the embodiments shown in FIGS. 1, 2,12 and 13, it will be noted that the cylinder members are of uniform external dimensions throughout their lengths which are equal to the internal dimensions of the casing and the closure member fits flush against the head member so that as a consequence, a gas-sealing relation is created, by the great internal pressures which are generated by the ignition of the propellant. In the embodiments shown in FIGS. 3 and 4 this seal is enhanced by the flange 35 and the groove 43. In the embodiments shown in FIGS. 5 and 6 this seal is enhanced by the cooperative action of the rib SSand the groove 65. In

the embodiments shown in FIGS. 7 and 8 the anchor elements 75 positively retain the cylinder member contemplated that after each firing the primer will be removed with a simple tool and replaced with an unfired primer within the head member. At the same time the fired cylinder may be removed from the casing or detached from the head as the case may be, and a new and loaded capsule may be substituted thereof within the casing, or may be attached to the head by means of the primer (as shown in FIGS. 9 and 11). In each instance, a readily reusable shell is provided through the use of our reload capsule.

' We have found that a number of materials may be utilized to produce the cylinders and closure members described herein, and that each of these materials will meet the performance criteria described hereinbefore. For example, we have found that a low density material designated as NA294-57 and marketed by U.S.I.. Chemicals Co., a Division of National Distillers &

Chemical Corporation, 99 Park Avenue, New York, N.Y., functions suitably for the structures shown in FIGS. 1, 2, 3, 4, l2 and 13. We believe, however, that high density materials are preferable, and toward that end we have utilized with substantial success a suitable high density material for the capsule design shown in FIGS. 5-10, inclusive which is known as DOW50059, which is manufactured and sold on the market by Dow Chemicals Company, Midland, Michigan. Similar suitable high density polyethylenes which are satisfactory for the purposes of manufacturing the structures shown in FIGS. 5-11 inclusive is a high density polyethylene product known as 6-34 which is sold on the market by Allied Chemical Corporation, Morristown, New Jersey. Another suitable high density product is that known as F173 which is sold on the market by Celanese Plastic Company, Newark, New Jersey. Each of these products have been utilized in tests in which the cylinders and closure members were made from one or more of these materials, and each of them have met the performance criteria set forth herein-The casings and head members shown in the figures as well as the cylinder 90 shown in FIG. 9 may be manufactured from any one of the high density materials described above. The wad structure shown in FIGS. 12 and 13 may likewise be made of any one of the high density materials described above.

The advantages resulting from our invention are many-fold. First of all, our invention simplifies and makes hand-loading much easier. Under methods heretofore utilized in reloading plastic shells it has been necessary to first remove the old primer, then re-prime, then weigh the powder, then insert the powder, then insert and seat the wads, then weight the shot, then insert the shot over the wads, then start the crimp on the shell casing, and finally finish the crimp. Under our method the fired capsule is removed from the casing, the old primer is removed, a new capsule is inserted, a new primer is inserted and then, if desired, the edge of the shot shell casing is rolled slightly. If desired, removing the fired capsule and the primer can be combined into one operation, and inserting the new capsule and repriming the shot shell can also be incorporated into a single operation. Thus it can be seen that the handloading is made substantially easier and more simple through our invention, and a substantial amount of time and effort is conserved.

Another advantage of our invention is that its use eliminates the heretofore requirement of filling shot and powder dispensers, of checking the weight of the charge of powder and of shot, and the need for storing and handling powder. In addition, the reloading through the use of our invention can be carried out with hand tools at the shooting site. For example, at competitives shoots, the participants can reload their shells at the location of the competitive event.

An additional advantage of our invention is that the shell casing which is reloaded has a much longer life when it is reloaded with capsules. This is true because the shell casing is not re-crimped, but at the most is rolled only slightly at its edge, since the capsule itself contains the crimp. Current methods of reloading require repeated re-crimping of the shot shell, and this leads to splits at the mouth end of the casing, which, of course, destroys the value of the casing for subsequent reloads.

Another advantage of our invention is that the use of the capsule reload provides added protection to the shell casing wall, and reduces the tendency of the same to burn through or crack upon firing of the shell.

Another advantage of our invention is that the protection which is afforded to the shell casing through the capsule wall and the elimination of the need for crimping the mouth end of the casing permits the use of less expensive materials in the manufacture of the casing. This is particularly true with respect to the use of plastics, for considerably less expensive plastics and less expensive molding techniques may be utilized in manufacturing the basic shell tube or casing which is to be used in combination with a capsule of the type disclosed herein.

Another advantage of our invention is that the user can obtain better ballistic control through the use of our invention. A hand loader using the old method has difficulty insuring constant uniformity of powder charge and shot charge, and has no good way to check his product for pressure and velocity. A capsule manufactured in accordance with our invention, if factoryloaded, would enable the hand loader to make a more dependable reload shell, and still enjoy much of the economics of reloading.

in addition to the above, the reloading tools required to utilize our invention are substantially less complicated and less expensive than those which are required under current reloading methods. Simple hand tools may be utilized to accomplish reloading through the use of reload capsules, such as are disclosed herein.

Another advantage inherent in the use of our invention is that the shot shell case may be manufactured of very strong material, so as to last for many reloads, since crimping of the casing is no longer necessary. Also, the capsule may be made tamper-proof so as to discourage amateur experimentation.

It will, of course, be understood that various changes may be made in the form, details, arrangement and proportions of the parts without departing from the scope of our invention which consists of the matter shown and described herein and set forth in the appended claims.

What is claimed is:

l. A self retaining reload capsule for shotgun shell casings comprising:

a. a hollow cylinder member adapted to be received in snug fitting relation within a shotgun shell casing and having inner and outer end portions and being formed of a material suitably resilient, thermoresistant, and rigid to meet performance criteria,

b. a power-retaining closure member substantially closing the inner end of said cylinder member;

c. said closure member being capable of being penetrated by the firing of a shotgun shell primer when said closure member is disposed adjacent thereto within the shotgun shell casing,

d. a propellant in the inner end portion of said cylinder member adjacent said closure member,

e. a wad separate from said cylinder member and disposed therewithin adjacent said propellant,

f. a shot charge within the outer end portion of said cylinder member adjacent the side of said wad opposite that adjacent said propellant,

g. closure means at the outer end of said cylinder member adjacent said shot charge and retaining the same within said cylinder member until the latter is disposed within such a shotgun shell casing and the shell is fired, and

h. said cylinder member having retainer means inherent in its construction adapting the same to be retained within a shotgun shell casing upon firing of the shotgun shell whereby upon such firing said closure member will be penetrated by the firing of the primer of the shell and said propellant will thereby be ignited and will propel said shot charge and wad out of said cylinder member, the shell casing and the gun but at least the major portion of said cylinder member will remain within the casing.

2. The structure defined in claim 1 wherein said retainer means consists of said hollow cylinder member and said closure member being of equal and uniform circumferential dimensions throughout.

3. The structure defined in claim 1 wherein an imperforate centrally disposed area of said closure member is weaker than its adjacent surrounding area.

4. The structure defined in claim 1, and a circumferentially disposed annular flange carried by said cylinder member and extending axially away therefrom.

5. The structure defined in claim 1 wherein said closure means is formed integrally with said cylinder member.

6. The structure defined in claim 1 wherein said retainer means consists of a tubular member carried by a centrally disposed area of said closure member and extending axially away from the cylinder and said closure member, said tubular member being constructed and arranged to extend into the primer opening of the shell head and to receive the primer thereof therein in wedging relation whereby to positively secure said cylinder to the shell head and prevent discharge of said cylinder from the shell casing upon firing of the shotgun shell.

7. The structure defined in claim 1 wherein said closure member has a centrally disposed recessed area constructed and arranged to overlie and surround the end of the shell primer when assembled within the shell casing.

8. The structure defined in claim 1 wherein said retainer means is comprised of at least one protuberance carried by said cylinder at its circumferential surface and extending outwardly therefrom, said protuberance being adapted to be received within a cooperative recess formed in the interior surface of a shelling casing to be charged with the reload capsule whereby said cylinder will be positively retained within the shell casing upon firing of the shell.

9. The structure defined in claim 1 wherein said retainer means is comprised of a circumferential rib member carried by said cylinder adjacent said closure member. 4

10. The structure defined in claim 1 wherein said retainer means includes a cooperative engaging element carried at the outer surface of one of said members and constructed and arranged to be positively engaged to retain said cylinder member within the shotgun shell casing when the shell is fired.

11. The structure defined in claim 1 whereinsaid retainer means includes a primer engaging member constructed and arranged to surround the primer.

12. The structure defined in claim 1 wherein said retainer means includes a tubular member connected to said closure member and constructed and arranged to extend into the head of a shotgun shell.

13. The structure defined in claim 1 wherein said retainer means includes a shotgun shell head-engaging member carried by said closure member and extending axially away therefrom and constructed and arranged to extend into the head of a shotgun shell and to be releasably secured thereto.

14. The structure defined in claim 1 wherein said retainer means is readily releasable after the shotgun shell containing the capsule has been fired.

15. The structure defined in claim 1 wherein said cylinder and closure member is readily removable from the casing after the shotgun shell containing the capsule has been fired.

16. The structure defined in claim 1 wherein said closure member is formed integrally with the remainder of said cylinder.

17. A shotgun shell comprising:

a. a head member having a primer opening therein,

b. a casing member carried by said head member,

c. a primer disposed withing said primer opening,

d. a loaded cylinder member disposed within said casing in snug-fitting relation,

e. said cylinder being formed of a material sufficiently resilient and thermoresistant so as not to materially melt, char, burn or rupture under shell firing conditions,

f. a closure member substantially closing the inner end of said cylinder member and being disposed immediately adjacent said primer and being capable of being penetrated by the firing of said primer;

g. a propellant disposed in the inner end portion of said cylinder member adjacent said closure member,

- h. a wad separate from said cylinder member and disposed therewithin adjacent said propellant,

i. a shot charge disposed within the outer end portion of said cylinder member adjacent said wad,

j. closure means at the outer end of said cylinder member adjacent said shot charge and retaining the same within said cylinder member until the shell is fired, and v k. said cylinder member having integral retainer means constructed and arranged to cause the same to be retained within said casing member upon firing of the shell whereby upon such firing said closure member will be penetrated by the firing of said primer and said propellant will thereby ignite and will propel said shot charge and wad out of said cylinder member said casing member and the gun but said cylinder member will remain within said casing member.

18. The structure defined in claim 17 wherein said retainer means consists of said hollow cylinder member and said closure member being of uniform circumferential dimensions throughout and each being equal in said dimensions to the internal circumferential dimensions of said casing member whereby said cylinder member and said closure member are received within said casing member in gas-sealing relation.

19. The structure defined in claim 17 wherein said closure means is formed integrally with said cylinder member.

20. The structure defined in claim 17 wherein said retainer means includes a tubular member carried by a centrally disposed area of said closure member and extending into said primer opening and wedged therein by said primer to positively prevent discharge of said cylinder member from said casing member upon firing of the shell.

21. The structure defined in claim 17 wherein said retainer means includes an anchor member carried by said closure member and extending into said primer opening of said head member between said primer and said head member and being wedged therebetween to positively secure said cylinder member within said casing member until after the shell has been fired, said primer after firing of the shell being readily removable from said head to release and permit removal of said cylinder member from said casing member and replacement thereof with another similarly loaded cylinder member and replacement of the fired primer with another unfired primer.

22. A shotgun shell comprising:

a. a re-usable shell head member having a primer opening therein,

b. a primer disposed within said primer opening,

c. a hollow cylinder member separate from said head member and having inner and outer end portions and being formed of a material sufficiently resilient and thermoresistant to maintain substantially its original form for prolonged periods during storage and so as not to materially melt, char, burn, or rupture under shell firing conditions and sufficiently rigid for purposes of closure at its outer end,

d. a powder-retaining closure member substantially closing the inner end of said cylinder member,

e. said closure member being capable of being penetrated by the firing of a shotgun shell primer when said closure member is disposed adjacent thereto,

f. a propellant in the inner end portion of said cylinder member adjacent said closure member,

g. a shot charge within the outer end portion of said cylinder member,

h. a wad separate from said cylinder member and disposed therewithin between said propellant and said shot charge and separating the two,

i. closure means at the outer end of said cylinder member adjacent said shot charge and retaining the same within said shot cylinder member until the shell is fired, and

j. anchor means carried by said cylinder member and said shell head member cooperatively securing said cylinder member to said shell head member in axial alignment therewith and with said closure member in overlying adjacent relation to said primer.

23. The structure defined in claim 22 wherein said anchor means is disposed axially of said cylinder member and is readily releasable after the shell has been fired.

24. The structure defined in claim 22 wherein an element of said anchor means performing the securing function is said primer.

25. The structure defined in claim 22 wherein an element of said anchor means constitutes a protuberance carried by said closure member and extending into said primer opening and held therein by said primer.

26. The structure defined in claim 22 wherein an element of said anchor means includes a tubular member carried by said closure member and extending into said primer opening between said primer and said head member and being held therein by said primer.

27. The structure defined in claim 22 wherein said anchor means includes a tubular member carried by said closure member and extending axially away from a centrally disposed portion of said closure member and into said primer opening between said primer and said head member and being releasably held therein by said primer.

2 8. The structure defined in claim 22 wherein said anchor means includes a protuberance extending axially away from a non-circumferential area of said 30. The structure defined in claim 22 wherein one element of said anchor means consists of a tubular protuberance carried by said closure member and extending into said primer opening and around said primer and being wedged in said opening by said primer.

31. The structure defined in claim 22 wherein at least one element of said anchor means is connected directly to portions of said closure member adjacent the axis of said cylinder member.

32. The structure defined in claim 22 wherein at least one element of said anchor means extends axially outwardly from the portions of said closure member adjacent the axis of said cylinder member.

33. The structure defined in claim 22 wherein said closure member has centrally disposed portions surrounding the axis of said cylinder member, and one element of said anchor means is tubular and is carried by said centrally disposed portions of said closure member and extends axially of said cylinder member.

34. The structure defined in claim 22 wherein said closure member has centrally disposed portions surrounding the axis of said cylinder member, and one element of said anchor means is connected to said centrally disposed portions of said closure member and telescopes axially with cooperative anchor elements carried by said shell head member.

35. The structure defined in claim 22, wherein one element of said anchor means includes a tubular member carried by said closure member and disposed adjacent the axis of said cylinder member and a cooperating element of said anchor means is carried by said head member in telescoping and engaging relation with said tubular member.

36. The structure defined in claim 22 wherein one element of said anchor means consists of a tubular member connected to said closure member and extending in surrounding relation to and adjacent to the axis of said cylinder member, and a cooperating element of said anchor means is carried by said head member in telescoping and engaging relation with said tubular member, and said primer extends into said tubular member to a position sufficiently closely adjacent to said closure member to rupture the latter upon firing of the shell. 

1. A self retaining reload capsule for shotgun shell casings comprising: a. a hollow cylinder member adapted to be received in snug fitting relation within a shotgun shell casing and having inner and outer end portions and being formed of a material suitably resilient, thermoresistant, and rigid to meet performance criteria, b. a power-retaining closure member substantially closing the inner end of said cylinder member; c. said closure member being capable of being penetrated by the firing of a shotgun shell primer when said closure member is disposed adjacent thereto within the shotgun shell casing, d. a propellant in the inner end portion of said cylinder member adjacent said closure member, e. a wad separate from said cylinder member and disposed therewithin adjacent said propellant, f. a shot charge within the outer end portion of said cylinder member adjacent the side of said wad opposite that adjacent said propellant, g. closure means at the outer end of said cylinder member adjacent said shot charge and retaining the same within said cylinder member until the latter is disposed within such a shotgun shell casing and the shell is fired, and h. said cylinder member having retainer means inherent in its construction adapting the same to be retained within a shotgun shell casing upon firing of the shotgun shell whereby upon such firing said closure member will be penetrated by the firing of the primer of the shell and said propellant will thereby be ignited and will propel said shot charge and wad out of said cylinder member, the shell casing and the gun but at least the major portion of said cylinder member will remain within the casing.
 2. The structure defined in claim 1 wherein said retainer means consists of said hollow cylinder member and said closure member being of equal and uniform circumferential dimensions throughout.
 3. The structure defined in claim 1 wherein an imperforate centrally disposed area of said closure member is weaker than its adjacent surrounding area.
 4. The structure defined in claim 1, and a circumferentially disposed annular flange carried by said cylinder member and extending axially away therefrom.
 5. The structure defined in claim 1 wherein said closure means is formed integrally with said cylinder member.
 6. The structure defined in claim 1 wherein said retainer means consists of a tubular member carried by a centrally disposed area of said closure member and extending axially away from the cylinder and said closure member, said tubular member being constructed and arranged to extend into the primer opening of the shell head and to receive the primer thereof therein in wedging relation whereby to positively secure said cylinder to the shell head and prevent discharge of said cylinder from the shell casing upon firing of the shotgun shell.
 7. The structure defined in claim 1 wherein said closure member has a centrally disposed recessed area constructed and arranged to overlie and surround the end of the shell primer when assembled within the shell casing.
 8. The structure defined in claim 1 wherein said retainer means is comprised of at least one protuberance carried by said cylinder at its circumferential surface and extending outwardly therefrom, said protuberance being adapted to be received within a cooperative recess formed in the interior surface of a shelling casing to be charged with the reload capsule whereby said cylinder will be positively retained within the shell casing upon firing of the shell.
 9. The structure defined in claim 1 wherein said retainer means is comprised of a circumferential rib member carried by said cylinder adjacent said closure member.
 10. The structure defined in claim 1 wherein said retainer means includes a cooperative engaging element carried at the outer surface of one of said members and constructed and arranged to be positively engaged to retain said cylinder member within the shotgun shell casing when the shell is fired.
 11. The structure defined in claim 1 wherein said retainer means includes a primer engaging member constructed and arranged to surround the primer.
 12. The structure defined in claim 1 wherein said retainer means includes a tubular Member connected to said closure member and constructed and arranged to extend into the head of a shotgun shell.
 13. The structure defined in claim 1 wherein said retainer means includes a shotgun shell head-engaging member carried by said closure member and extending axially away therefrom and constructed and arranged to extend into the head of a shotgun shell and to be releasably secured thereto.
 14. The structure defined in claim 1 wherein said retainer means is readily releasable after the shotgun shell containing the capsule has been fired.
 15. The structure defined in claim 1 wherein said cylinder and closure member is readily removable from the casing after the shotgun shell containing the capsule has been fired.
 16. The structure defined in claim 1 wherein said closure member is formed integrally with the remainder of said cylinder.
 17. A shotgun shell comprising: a. a head member having a primer opening therein, b. a casing member carried by said head member, c. a primer disposed withing said primer opening, d. a loaded cylinder member disposed within said casing in snug-fitting relation, e. said cylinder being formed of a material sufficiently resilient and thermoresistant so as not to materially melt, char, burn or rupture under shell firing conditions, f. a closure member substantially closing the inner end of said cylinder member and being disposed immediately adjacent said primer and being capable of being penetrated by the firing of said primer; g. a propellant disposed in the inner end portion of said cylinder member adjacent said closure member, h. a wad separate from said cylinder member and disposed therewithin adjacent said propellant, i. a shot charge disposed within the outer end portion of said cylinder member adjacent said wad, j. closure means at the outer end of said cylinder member adjacent said shot charge and retaining the same within said cylinder member until the shell is fired, and k. said cylinder member having integral retainer means constructed and arranged to cause the same to be retained within said casing member upon firing of the shell whereby upon such firing said closure member will be penetrated by the firing of said primer and said propellant will thereby ignite and will propel said shot charge and wad out of said cylinder member said casing member and the gun but said cylinder member will remain within said casing member.
 18. The structure defined in claim 17 wherein said retainer means consists of said hollow cylinder member and said closure member being of uniform circumferential dimensions throughout and each being equal in said dimensions to the internal circumferential dimensions of said casing member whereby said cylinder member and said closure member are received within said casing member in gas-sealing relation.
 19. The structure defined in claim 17 wherein said closure means is formed integrally with said cylinder member.
 20. The structure defined in claim 17 wherein said retainer means includes a tubular member carried by a centrally disposed area of said closure member and extending into said primer opening and wedged therein by said primer to positively prevent discharge of said cylinder member from said casing member upon firing of the shell.
 21. The structure defined in claim 17 wherein said retainer means includes an anchor member carried by said closure member and extending into said primer opening of said head member between said primer and said head member and being wedged therebetween to positively secure said cylinder member within said casing member until after the shell has been fired, said primer after firing of the shell being readily removable from said head to release and permit removal of said cylinder member from said casing member and replacement thereof with another similarly loaded cylinder member and replacement of the fired primer with another unfired primer.
 22. A shotgun shell comprising: a. a re-usable shelL head member having a primer opening therein, b. a primer disposed within said primer opening, c. a hollow cylinder member separate from said head member and having inner and outer end portions and being formed of a material sufficiently resilient and thermoresistant to maintain substantially its original form for prolonged periods during storage and so as not to materially melt, char, burn, or rupture under shell firing conditions and sufficiently rigid for purposes of closure at its outer end, d. a powder-retaining closure member substantially closing the inner end of said cylinder member, e. said closure member being capable of being penetrated by the firing of a shotgun shell primer when said closure member is disposed adjacent thereto, f. a propellant in the inner end portion of said cylinder member adjacent said closure member, g. a shot charge within the outer end portion of said cylinder member, h. a wad separate from said cylinder member and disposed therewithin between said propellant and said shot charge and separating the two, i. closure means at the outer end of said cylinder member adjacent said shot charge and retaining the same within said shot cylinder member until the shell is fired, and j. anchor means carried by said cylinder member and said shell head member cooperatively securing said cylinder member to said shell head member in axial alignment therewith and with said closure member in overlying adjacent relation to said primer.
 23. The structure defined in claim 22 wherein said anchor means is disposed axially of said cylinder member and is readily releasable after the shell has been fired.
 24. The structure defined in claim 22 wherein an element of said anchor means performing the securing function is said primer.
 25. The structure defined in claim 22 wherein an element of said anchor means constitutes a protuberance carried by said closure member and extending into said primer opening and held therein by said primer.
 26. The structure defined in claim 22 wherein an element of said anchor means includes a tubular member carried by said closure member and extending into said primer opening between said primer and said head member and being held therein by said primer.
 27. The structure defined in claim 22 wherein said anchor means includes a tubular member carried by said closure member and extending axially away from a centrally disposed portion of said closure member and into said primer opening between said primer and said head member and being releasably held therein by said primer.
 28. The structure defined in claim 22 wherein said anchor means includes a protuberance extending axially away from a non-circumferential area of said cylinder member into said head member.
 29. The structure defined in claim 22 wherein one element of said anchor means consists of a protuberance carried by and extending axially away from a centrally disposed area of said closure member.
 30. The structure defined in claim 22 wherein one element of said anchor means consists of a tubular protuberance carried by said closure member and extending into said primer opening and around said primer and being wedged in said opening by said primer.
 31. The structure defined in claim 22 wherein at least one element of said anchor means is connected directly to portions of said closure member adjacent the axis of said cylinder member.
 32. The structure defined in claim 22 wherein at least one element of said anchor means extends axially outwardly from the portions of said closure member adjacent the axis of said cylinder member.
 33. The structure defined in claim 22 wherein said closure member has centrally disposed portions surrounding the axis of said cylinder member, and one element of said anchor means is tubular and is carried by said centrally disposed portions of said closure member and extends axially of said cylinder member.
 34. The structure defined in claim 22 wherein said closure member has centrally dispOsed portions surrounding the axis of said cylinder member, and one element of said anchor means is connected to said centrally disposed portions of said closure member and telescopes axially with cooperative anchor elements carried by said shell head member.
 35. The structure defined in claim 22, wherein one element of said anchor means includes a tubular member carried by said closure member and disposed adjacent the axis of said cylinder member and a cooperating element of said anchor means is carried by said head member in telescoping and engaging relation with said tubular member.
 36. The structure defined in claim 22 wherein one element of said anchor means consists of a tubular member connected to said closure member and extending in surrounding relation to and adjacent to the axis of said cylinder member, and a cooperating element of said anchor means is carried by said head member in telescoping and engaging relation with said tubular member, and said primer extends into said tubular member to a position sufficiently closely adjacent to said closure member to rupture the latter upon firing of the shell. 